When Evaluating Study Abroad Programs, Consider Language

Innumerable study abroad programs are repeatedly evaluated before one of them is finalized as the best. Sometimes all of them could be rejected. Criteria for choosing the best program can be different for different people. But the core set of evaluation criteria remains the same.

Most popular parameters are reputation and ranking of the college, tuition fee, living expenses, and placement records. When considering all these points, one should also take into account the culture and language of the destination country. Familiarity with the language of a particular country will play an important role in the adjustment process.

Is the language a part of the curriculum?

Adjusting culturally in a new country is not easy. Learning the language becomes a key advantage in such a scenario. There are many ways of picking up the language. Depending upon your course requirement, any one of those can be adopted. Not all study abroad programs require you to know the language. Sometimes, native language of the country is included in the curriculum. If it is so, no other effort is required in most cases.

Donít think you can do without learning the language!

Never presume that it is possible to survive without learning the language. Survival could be possible, but is that the only intention? Master the language to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. One can enroll in language classes before going abroad. Even if it is for a short period, it will help you get familiar with important, everyday use words. Another way is to go abroad and enroll in private language classes, along with your studies. For example, if you enroll in a Chinese college, you can learn Chinese in China only. A small crash course before moving there can be a good start though.

When you are spending so much money and pinning all your career hopes on a certain program, it makes no sense to not complete it successfully because of a language issue. It seems like a trivial problem, but there have been failures as well. Many students could not complete their programs successfully because they could not adjust to the culture and environment or grasp the language. To avoid communication problems, make sure you are aware of and prepared for what is about to come.

When shortlisting study abroad programs, give weightage to your familiarity with the culture and language of your study destination. Consider it as a serious matter and learn the language. It will make your stay a smooth and successful journey.